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CH2M HILL Team Selected as Program Manager for Mega Expansion of Panama Canal

DENVER, Aug. 17 /CNW/ -- The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has awarded
CH2M HILL, a global full-service engineering, construction and operations firm
the Program Management contract for the $5.25 billion Panama Canal Expansion
program. Subcontractors on the team include DHV Group, Grupo TYPSA, CSA Group,
and Earth Consultants International.
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"We are proud to contribute our global experience to help build not only
one of the world's major infrastructure projects, but to build it in such a
way as to leave a lasting legacy of sustainable socioeconomic growth and
environmental responsibility," said Michael Kennedy, President of CH2M HILL
Transportation Group. "We are thrilled to support Panama's incredible vision
for its future."
The expansion project involves building a new set of massive locks on
both the Atlantic and Pacific ends of the existing canal and will include
substantial excavation and dredging. The project schedule calls for the first
"Post Panamax" vessel to transit through the expanded canal in 2014, the 100th
anniversary of the completion of the original canal. A Post Panamax vessel is
the term for ships that are larger than a Panamax and do not fit in the
original canal. After expansion, the Panama Canal is expected to be able to
handle vessels up to 12000 TEU in size.
"The expansion of the Panama Canal is considered one the most visible and
important infrastructure projects in the world, and will affect global
commerce significantly over the next century," said Garry Higdem, CH2M HILL's
lead executive for the Panama Canal program.
The Program Management function involves assisting the Panama Canal
Authority (ACP) in the management of all contracts, interfacing with design
build and construction teams, as well as numerous stakeholders. "We are
honored to team with ACP in delivering this historic project for the citizens
of Panama," said Jhan Schmitz, CH2M HILL's Program Manager for the Canal
Expansion. "The key to this program's success will be the effective
coordination of a world-class multidisciplinary team."
Headquartered in Denver, Colo., employee-owned CH2M HILL is a global
leader in engineering, construction and operations for public and private
clients. With $4.5 billion in revenue, CH2M HILL is an industry-leading
program management, construction management and design firm, as ranked by
Engineering News-Record (2007). The firm's work is concentrated in the areas
of transportation, water, energy, environment, and industrial facilities. The
firm has long been recognized as a most-admired company and leading employer
by business media and professional associations worldwide. CH2M HILL has more
than 19,000 employees in regional offices around the world.

For further information:

For further information: John Corsi of CH2M HILL, +1-720-286-2087,
john.corsi@ch2m.com Web Site: http://www.ch2m.com